Sensory differences

Many people on the autism spectrum have difficulty processing everyday sensory information. Any of the senses may be over- or under-sensitive, or both, at different times. These sensory differences can affect behaviour, and can have a profound effect on a person’s life. Here we help you to understand autism, the person and how to help. You can also find out about synaesthesia, therapies and equipment.

Too much information

Sometimes an autistic person may behave in a way that you wouldn't immediately link to sensory sensitivities. A person who struggles to deal with everyday sensory information can experience sensory overload, or information overload. Too much information can cause stress, anxiety, and possibly physical pain. This can result in withdrawal, challenging behaviour or meltdown.

If I get sensory overload then I just shut down; you get what's known as fragmentation...it's weird, like being tuned into 40 TV channels.

If someone is having a meltdown, or not responding, don’t judge them. There are things that you can do to help. This can make a world of difference to someone with autism and their carers.

Over-sensitive

Easier and more pleasurable to focus on a detail rather than the whole object.

Has difficulty getting to sleep as sensitive to the light.

She was Mrs Marek, a face upon which light danced maniacally, turning her into more of a cartoon than a human being. Welcome to Toon town…I'd like you to enter this torture chamber I call my kitchen and meet my wife who is a 3D cartoon.

You could make changes to the environment such reducing fluorescent lighting, providing sunglasses, using blackout curtains, creating a workstation in the classroom - a space or desk with high walls or divides on both sides to block out visual distractions, using blackout curtains.

Sound

Under-sensitive

May only hear sounds in one ear, the other ear having only partial hearing or none at all.

May not acknowledge particular sounds.

Might enjoy crowded, noisy places or bang doors and objects.

You could help by using visual supports to back up verbal information, and ensuring that other people are aware of the under-sensitivity so that they can communicate effectively. You could ensure that the experiences they enjoy are included in their daily timetable, to ensure this sensory need is met.

Over-sensitive

Noise can be magnified and sounds become distorted and muddled.

May be able to hear conversations in the distance.

Inability to cut out sounds – notably background noise, leading to difficulties concentrating.

Do you hear noise in your head? It pounds and screeches. Like a train rumbling through your ears.

Some autistic people may limit themselves to bland foods or crave very strong-tasting food. As long as someone has some dietary variety, this isn't necessarily a problem. Find out more about over-eating and restricted diets.

Touch

Under-sensitive

Holds others tightly - needs to do so before there is a sensation of having applied any pressure.

warning the person if you are about to touch them - always approach them from the front

remembering that a hug may be painful rather than comforting

changing the texture of food (eg purée it)

slowly introducing different textures around the person's mouth, such as a flannel, a toothbrush and some different foods

gradually introducing different textures to touch, eg have a box of materials available

allowing a person to complete activities themselves (eg hair brushing and washing) so that they can do what is comfortable for them

turning clothes inside out so there is no seam, removing any tags or labels

allowing the person to wear clothes they're comfortable in.

Balance (vestibular)

Under-sensitive

A need to rock, swing or spin to get some sensory input.

You could encourage activities that help to develop the vestibular system. This could include using rocking horses, swings, roundabouts, seesaws, catching a ball or practising walking smoothly up steps or curbs.

Over-sensitive

Difficulties with activities like sport, where we need to control our movements.

Difficulties stopping quickly or during an activity.

Car sickness.

Difficulties with activities where the head is not upright or feet are off the ground.

You could help by breaking down activities into small, more easily manageable steps and using visual cues such as a finish line.

Body awareness (proprioception)

Our body awareness system tells us where our bodies are in space, and how different body parts are moving.

Under-sensitive

Stands too close to others, because they cannot measure their proximity to other people and judge personal space.

Finds it hard to navigate rooms and avoid obstructions.

May bump into people.

You could help by:

positioning furniture around the edge of a room to make navigation easier

using weighted blankets to provide deep pressure

putting coloured tape on the floor to indicate boundaries

using the 'arm's-length rule' to judge personal space - this means standing an arm's length away from other people.

Over-sensitive

You could help by offering 'fine motor' activities like lacing boards.

Synaesthesia

Synaesthesia is a rare condition experienced by some people on the autism spectrum. An experience goes in through one sensory system and out through another. So a person might hear a sound but experience it as a colour. In other words, they will 'hear' the colour blue. Find out more about synaesthesia.